Nominations now open for the 10th New Zealander of the Year Awards

Nominations for the 10th New Zealander of the Year Awards are now open, beginning the three-month search to find the 2019 New Zealander of the Year.

The Awards seek nominations from all New Zealand communities and endeavours including the arts, sport, community service, public service, environment, volunteers, tourism, business, rural, education, entertainment, science, technology, innovation and cultural development.

Nominations are being sort for the prestigious title of Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year and the following categories:

University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year (15-30 years)

Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year (60 years and over)

Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

Sanitarium New Zealand Innovator of the Year

Mitre10 New Zealand Community of the Year

Any member of the public can nominate an individual or community organisation in the Awards programme. Nominations for the 2019 New Zealander of the Year Awards can be made until midnight 17th September 2018 through completing the online nomination form or requesting an information brochure from the Awards Office at nzawards.org.nz or by calling 0508 692 927.

Comment from the 2018 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, Kristine Bartlett:

“Being named New Zealander of the Year was incredibly humbling to me and something I’d never dreamed of winning.

“The Awards are gracious in the way they appreciate those in communities whose good deeds may fly under the radar. That’s why I’d encourage Kiwis to get out there and nominate the special people who have bettered the lives of individuals, communities and the country.”

Comment from inaugural Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, Sir Ray Avery:

“Being named the inaugural New Zealander of the Year was a huge honour and it’s still one of the proudest moments of my life 10 years on.

“Kiwis are a pretty humble bunch but we’ve got so much to be proud of. There are people from all walks of life doing the most extraordinary things, not for themselves but for their fellow New Zealanders.

“Let’s celebrate their achievements.”

Comment from New Zealander of the Year Awards manager, Glyn Taylor:

“This year we are searching for our 10th New Zealander of the Year. Previous winners have come from a vast range of endeavours, which will make the hunt for this year’s winner even more exciting.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to acknowledge and award the very best New Zealanders for their immense contribution to their communities and country. Over the last ten years, 50 fine Kiwis have received awards across the six categories and the Kiwibank Local Hero medal ceremonies hold a very special place in our communities. We look forward to finding these special people again.”

Background

The annual New Zealander of the Year Awards are now in their 10th year. They recognise, encourage and reward New Zealand’s most vital asset – its people. They’re open to all New Zealanders and celebrate the contributions of New Zealanders from all walks of life.

The 2019 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Gala Awards in Auckland on Thursday 21st February 2019.

More information on the 2017 New Zealander of the Year Awards can be found at nzawards.org.nz.

Award Categories

The New Zealander of the Year

The most prestigious national award. It honours people for their contribution to the well-being of New Zealand. Proven, inspirational and passionate, these are the people that New Zealanders are proud to call their own.

Young New Zealander of the Year

These are the leaders of tomorrow who are already showing great promise. They are the ones who are striving to improve themselves, their communities and/or their nation.

New Zealand Innovator of the Year

These are the game changers in their field who have used their insight and their passion to make an impact. They are the ones driving our society and economy forward.

Senior New Zealander of the year

These are the people who have shown sustained excellence in their field. They are the ones with a lifetime of achievement behind them but are still actively involved in making the world around them a better place.

New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

These are individuals who have made a positive difference in their community. They show selflessness and determination to make a difference, sometimes in the face of personal adversity.

New Zealand Community of the Year

These are communities who display the best of community spirit. They have significantly contributed to the economic, social or environmental health of their areas or region. Their services have made a lasting impact on the community they serve.